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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

Interest in supervising and hiring farm workers; and in determining amounts and kinds of crops to be grown and livestock to be raised, and in purchasing farm machinery, livestock, seed, feed and other supplies

METHODICAL

Interest in co-ordinating information to plant, cultivate and harvest crops; and in raising and breeding livestock and poultry

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.

Because most market gardeners are business owners, they usually have administrative duties related to running a business. They also may produce value-added products such as preserves or dried arrangements for sale at farmers' markets.

Working Conditions

Updated Dec 16, 2016

Market gardeners work indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather. The work can be repetitive and physically demanding (lifting loads weighing up to 20 kilograms may be required).

There is no quiet period in the work life of market gardeners. Growing a quality product and maintaining quality throughout the marketing process is essential to maintaining and increasing sales from year to year. During harvest season, speed is essential in getting crops off the field and to market because the earliest, highest quality and freshest fruits and vegetables to reach the market command the highest prices. Working hours may be long and irregular.

Market gardens usually are located close to major centres because sales potentials are determined by the number of potential customers within reasonable travelling distance.

Strength Required
Lift up to 20 kg

Skills & Abilities

Updated Dec 16, 2016

Market gardeners need the following characteristics:

good physical health and stamina

an interest in working with the land, plants and people

good observation skills

the ability to supervise and motivate others.

They should enjoy taking responsibility for their operations, taking a methodical approach to their work and operating machinery and equipment.

Educational Requirements

Updated Dec 16, 2016

Market gardeners need a working knowledge of:

local soil and climate conditions

weed, disease and insect problems and their control (for example, pesticide application or alternative pest management methods, such as organic and permaculture)

Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.

Employment & Advancement

Updated Dec 16, 2016

Most market gardeners are self-employed small business owners who sell produce directly to consumers at farmers' markets and through farm gate sales or pick-your-own operations. Large garden market operations may hire retail and farm workers year round or on a seasonal basis. These positions can provide valuable experience for people interested in becoming market gardeners.

New gardeners are advised to start with a small operation, growing crops that are relatively easy to cultivate and suited to local growing conditions. As they gain experience and learn customer preferences, market gardeners can expand to more demanding crops and novelty items to round out their operations.

Advancement in this occupation generally takes the form of building a larger business.

Market gardeners are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 0821: Managers in agriculture. In Alberta, 97% of people employed in this classification work in the Agricultural (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)

size of the occupation.

In Alberta, the I011: Farmers and Farm Managers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0.9% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 338 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary

Updated Dec 16, 2016

One of the most appealing features of market gardening is that substantial profits can be reaped from a small amount of land. Input costs for machinery often are minimal so overhead costs are lower than for other types of farming. Much, however, depends on the weather, market demand and grower management. In general, market garden crops are more weather sensitive than traditional crops.

Market gardeners often supplement their income through other means. With the introduction of improved storage techniques, growers are able to keep storable crops and sell them during the winter months, providing year-round income. Some smaller operations earn a secondary income from the sale of goods such as bedding plants or value-added products such as preserves.

Swipe left and right to view all data.Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

B: Good Reliability

Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Updated Mar 23, 2015. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.